December 29, 2018

Brooklyn Detention Complex Needs Sophisticated Crisis Communications

Seemingly with great glee, the New York Post features coverage of a move made by the Brooklyn Detention Complex.

With no explanation why, the correctional facility posted a sign in the visitors' quarters that the New York Post is banned. Here are the details from the tabloid.

According to civil rights lawyer - Ron Kulp - the ban is unconstitutional. For example, the media outlet is not providing information such as how to break out of prison. That could have justified a ban.

Given the power of the media and the contention that the ban is unconstitutional, Brooklyn Detention Complex is in a public relations crisis mode. Already, it has blundered badly.

Before a potential crisis (not all flashpoints become crises), during it, and afterward, the must-do is to provide all available information in a timely manner in all appropriate mediums. When managing the Blue Bell product recall, kglobal partner Gene Grabowskiused video. That helped humanize the message. A high-ranking spokesperson should be designated. Then there should be regular updates.

Owned by media genius Rupert Murdoch, the New York Post has the resources to not only sustain this crisis. It can escalate it. Global activists supporting journalism can position and package this into a high-profile issue.

BTW, in September, the New York Post published an article that some of the 800 inmates at the Brooklyn Detention Complex were using makeshift fishing poles. With those they snatched up whatever from folks standing on Atlantic Avenue.